Annie Mac has announced she is leaving BBC Radio 1 after 17 years, amid line-up changes at the station.
The DJ, 42, confirmed her departure on Tuesday, telling listeners her job at the broadcaster has been like a ‘second home’, as Clara Amfo has been confirmed as the host of BBC Radio 1’s flagship new music show, Radio 1’s Future Sounds.
She said: ‘After 17 wonderful years I have decided it’s time to leave Radio 1. This second home has been the thread that has run through nearly my whole adult life; I have grown up, fallen in and out of love, moved homes, climbed up the career ladder, got married and become a mother twice over.
Departure: Annie Mac has announced she is leaving BBC Radio 1 after 17 years
‘I have done this alongside you, my listeners, who have done your own versions of the same. I will be forever grateful to you all for welcoming me into your days.
‘I have never not walked out of the studio feeling lighter and happier than when I walked in, and that is all down to you.
‘Working at Radio 1 has been like being at the best party ever and it is a wonderful feeling to be leaving with a huge smile on my face. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!’
Annie later took to Twitter and wrote a statement about her decision to leave Radio 1, saying she wants to spend more time with her two children who she shares with her husband and fellow BBC Radio 1 DJ Toddla T.
Statement: Annie took to Twitter and wrote a statement about her decision to leave Radio 1, saying she wants to spend more time with her two children
Message: The Irish DJ, whose full name is Annie MacManus, added that she likes the idea of leaving her gig while she is ‘still having the most fun I can have’
New gig: Clara Amfo has been confirmed as the host of BBC Radio 1’s flagship new music show, Radio 1’s Future Sounds
She wrote: ‘It’s hard to articulate what this job has meant to me. It started with Annie Mac’s Mashup on Thursday evenings. Then it was the big move to Fridays.
‘Sunday nights was Switch with Grimmy and then The Musical Hot Water Bottle. Since March 2015 it has been every weeknight with the flagship new music show.
‘I’m still in awe of the magic of music radio. Of the responsibility of handling these songs that are so powerful they can stop you in your tracks and make your emotions soar.
‘I have never not walked out the studio feeling lighter and happier than when I walked in. So why leave? It’s all about time really.
‘I need more time to see my kids in the evenings now they are both in school. I would like more time to write fiction and to create podcasts.’
Annie said: ‘Thank you for allowing me into your lives. Thank you for brightening my days. Thank you thank you thank you for listening’
The Irish DJ, whose full name is Annie MacManus, added that she likes the idea of leaving her gig while she is ‘still having the most fun I can have’.
She wrote: ‘I also love the idea of leaving the party (and make no mistake, working at Radio 1 does feel like a party) with a huge smile on my ace, when I’m still having the most fun I can have.’
‘In my time on Radio 1, I have fallen in and out of love, moved homes, climbed up the career ladder, got married and become a mother twice over, alongside you doing your versions of the same.
‘Thank you for allowing me into your lives. Thank you for brightening my days. Thank you thank you thank you for listening.’
Clara is set to present Future Sounds from Monday to Thursday 6pm to 8pm starting in September.
The former Strictly star previously presented The Official Chart and Live Lounge on the station and said she is ‘beyond honoured’ to start her new gig.
She said in a statement: ‘I am beyond honoured and ready to start this exciting new chapter on Radio 1.
‘I’m such a fan of this show, the artists that is has championed and to be receiving the baton from Annie who I love and respect makes it extra special for me.
‘Massive big up to every single one of my daytime producers and The Live Lounge/smug life listener crew, I have loved hearing your stories and enjoying keeping you company with tunes in daytime and look forward to continuing that in September, so see you a few hours later!’
